Konjac glucomannan and inulin systematically modulate antioxidant defense in rats fed a high-fat fiber-free diet

Integration of Lipidomics and Transcriptomics Identifies the Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis as Potential Mechanisms of Konjac Glucomannan against Hepatic Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is characterized by substantial disruption in the liver's lipid level regulation. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is acknowledged as a nutritious food that has the potential to prevent hyperlipidemia. This study utilized lipidomics and transcriptomics to investigate the efficacy of KGM in alleviating high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis by regulating lipid homeostasis. The findings indicated that supplementation of KGM for a duration of 10 weeks led to significant decreases in body weight, liver weight, and epididymal fat tissue weight. Furthermore, improvements in lipid concentrations in plasma and liver samples were observed, along with enhancements in glucose tolerance and the mitigation of liver damage. Additionally, lipidomics analysis revealed that the primary differential lipid metabolites were mainly associated with fatty acid metabolism pathways. Transcriptomic analysis showed that KGM significantly altered the gene expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway in the liver. Moreover, KGM demonstrated a significant regulatory impact on the hepatic expression of PPARγ, potentially mitigating hepatic steatosis through modulation of the PPARγ-mediated lipid metabolism pathway. In conclusion, these findings suggest that KGM effectively mitigates steatosis by modulating hepatic lipid metabolites and controlling PPARγ-mediated genes in the liver.

Lipid metabolism regulation by dietary polysaccharides with different structural properties

Lipid metabolism plays an important role in energy homeostasis maintenance in response to stress. Nowadays, hyperlipidemia-related chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and fatty liver pose significant health challenges. Dietary polysaccharides (DPs) have gained attention for their effective lipid-lowering properties. This review examines the multifaceted mechanisms that DPs employ to lower lipid levels in subjects with hyperlipidemia. DPs could directly inhibit lipid intake and absorption, promote lipid excretion, and regulate key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism pathways, including triglyceride and cholesterol anabolism and catabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and bile acid synthesis. Additionally, DPs indirectly improve lipid homeostasis by modulating gut microbiota composition and alleviating oxidative stress. Moreover, the lipid-lowering mechanisms of particular structural DPs (including β-glucan, pectin, glucomannan, inulin, arabinoxylan, and fucoidan) are summarized. The relationship between the structure and lipid-lowering activity of DPs is also discussed based on current researches. Finally, potential breakthroughs and future directions in the development of DPs in lipid-lowering activity are discussed. The paper could provide a reference for further exploring the mechanism of DPs for lipid regulations and utilizing DPs as lipid-lowering dietary ingredients.

Konjac glucomannan attenuate high-fat diet-fed obesity through enhancing β-adrenergic-mediated thermogenesis in inguinal white adipose tissue in mice

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) has been reported to prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity, and we study investigated whether dietary supplementation with KGM can prevent obesity by increasing energy expenditure in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) of high-fat diet (HF) -fed mice. Weaned mice fed the control diet (Con), HF, or HF plus KGM (8%, w/w, HFK) were divided into three groups. The results showed that 10-week supplementation with KGM significantly reduced partial adipose tissue weight and body weight, and improved glucose tolerance. Compared to the HF group, plasma lipid concentrations in the HFK group were greatly decreased to the control level. Moreover, transcriptomic research has shown that genes that are mainly associated with energy and lipid metabolism are significantly altered in iWAT. Mechanistically, KGM stimulated thermogenesis by promoting the expression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) and the β3-adrenergic receptor (ADR3β). Taken together, our results suggest that dietary supplementation with konjac glucomannan can effectively alleviate obesity induced by a high-fat diet by activating ADR3β-mediated iWAT thermogenesis. Dietary supplementation with KGM can effectively alleviate high fat diet- induced obesity mice by via activating ADR3β-mediated thermogenesis of iWAT.

Fabrication of grape seed proanthocyanidin-loaded W/O/W emulsion gels stabilized by polyglycerol polyricinoleate and whey protein isolate with konjac glucomannan: Structure, stability, and in vitro digestion

In this work, the effects of konjac glucomannan (KGM) concentrations on microstructure, gel properties, stability and digestibility of water-in-oil-in-water emulsion gels stabilized by polyglycerol polyricinoleate and whey protein isolate were investigated. Visual appearance indicated that a non-layered double emulsion gel was formed when KGM increased to 0.75%. Emulsion gels with 1.5% KGM showed the highest encapsulation, freeze-thaw and photochemical stability due to the formation of the smallest droplets, which were supported by microscopic observations. Moreover, the addition of KGM improved water holding capacity, rheological and texture properties of emulsion gels. Particularly, at 1.5% or 1.75% KGM, color and potential of hydrogen showed the most stable level after 14 days of storage. During in vitro digestion, KGM delayed the hydrolysis of protein and oil droplets, and then improved the bioavailability of grape seed proanthocyanidin. These results promoted the application of KGM in emulsion gels and the encapsulation of nutraceuticals.

Inulin fructans in diet: Role in gut homeostasis, immunity, health outcomes and potential therapeutics

Inulin consumption in both humans and animal models is recognized for its prebiotic action with the most consistent change that lies in enhancing the growth and functionality of Bifidobacterium bacteria, as well as its effect on host gene expression and metabolism. Further, inulin-type fructans are utilized in the colon by bacterial fermentation to yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play important role in its biological effects both locally inside the gut and in systemic actions. The gut symbiosis sustained by inulin supplementation among other dietary fibers exerts preventive and/or therapeutic options for many metabolic disorders including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiometabolic diseases, kidney diseases and hyperuricemia. Although, gastrointestinal negative effects due to inulin consumption were reported, such as gastrointestinal symptoms in humans and exacerbated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. This comprehensive review aims to present the whole story of how inulin functions as a prebiotic at cellular levels and the interplay between physiological, functional and immunological responses inside the animal or human gut as influenced by inulin in diets, in context to its structural composition. Such review is of importance to identify management and feed strategies to optimize gut health, for instance, consumption of the tolerated doses to healthy adults of 10 g/day of native inulin or 5 g/day of naturally inulin-rich chicory extract. In addition, inulin-drug interactions should be further clarified particularly if used as a supplement for the treatment of degenerative diseases (e.g., diabetes) over a long period. The combined effect of probiotics and inulin appears more effective, and more research on this synergy is still needed.

The Comparative Effects of Inulin and Bacillus clausii on LPS-Induced Endotoxemic Rat Liver

BACKGROUND

This paper sought to investigate the modifies of inulin and Bacillus clausii on the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) inducing oxidative stress signaling pathway in the endotoxemic rat model.

METHODS

Wistar albino male rats (n = 36), divided into six groups, were formed randomly in the following stages: the control group; the prebiotic group (Inulin; 500 mg/kg); the probiotic group (Bacillus clausii; 1x10⁹ CFU); the LPS group (1.5 mg/kg) as the endotoxemic model; the prebiotic group + LPS; and the probiotic group + LPS as treatment groups.

RESULTS

The reactive oxygen species (ROS), advanced oxidation products of protein (AOPP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) levels increased in LPS-induced toxicity. Prebiotic treatment decreased LPS-induced hepatotoxicity on rat liver as observed in the decrease in the levels of oxidative stress parameters, such as ROS, TBARS, TOS, and OSI. The effect of the probiotic treatment on the ROS, AOPP, TOS, OSI levels was not statistically significant. However, it was determined that probiotic application was effective in the TBARS, TAS, and GSH levels. When the biochemical results of the prebiotic and probiotic treatment applications were compared, it was found that the prebiotic treatment was more effective on oxidative stress parameters (ROS, TBARS, TOS, and OSI). In addition, the histological damage score and MPO-staining results of the prebiotic treatment group were found to be more effective than the probiotic group.

CONCLUSION

In this first study, where inulin and Bacillus clausii spores are used against liver damage caused by LPS, inulin provides much more effective protection than Bacillus clausii spores.

Maternal Long-Term Intake of Inulin Improves Fetal Development through Gut Microbiota and Related Metabolites in a Rat Model

Adequate dietary fiber intake during gestation is critical for maternal-fetal health. This experiment aims to uncover the impacts of maternal long-term intake of inulin on fetal development and its underlying mechanism. Eighty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either a fiber-free diet or an inulin diet (inulin) for three parities. On the 19^th day of pregnancy in the third parity, blood, intestinal, placental, and colonic digesta samples were collected. Results showed that maternal intake of inulin significantly decreased the within-litter birth weight variation in parities 2 and 3. Inulin intake modified the gut microbiome profiles and elevated the colonic contents of short chain fatty acids (propionate and butyrate). Inulin decreased the serotonin (5-HT) concentration in the colon, whereas it increased the 5-HT concentrations in serum and placenta and the number of 5-HT⁺ enterochromaffin cells in the colon. The protein expression of melatonin-synthesizing enzyme (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase) and the melatonin concentration in the placenta were also increased by inulin. Inulin improved the placental redox status and nutrient transport. These findings indicated that maternal long-term intake of inulin improves fetal development by altering the intestinal microbiota and related metabolites in rats.

Impacts of konjac glucomannan with different modification of degradation or deacetylation on the stress resistance and fitness in Caenorhabditis elegans

The impact of modification in molecules or deacetylation of konjac glucomannan (KGM) on the stress resistance in vivo has rarely been studied systematically. This research studied the effects of KGM with different molecular weights and degrees of deacetylation on the stress resistance and physical fitness of Caenorhabditis elegans. After the nematodes were incubated with different modified KGM, the survival rate of nematodes under oxidative and heat stress, as well as the fertility and locomotion were measured. KGM(2-5) can significantly prolong the mean and maximum lifespan of nematodes in the presence of paraquat. Under heat stress, all partially degraded konjac glucomannan (PDKGM) showed the significant extension of survival rates. Da(1-3) improved the survival rates of nematodes under oxidative stress. Furthermore, genes expression showed that KGM(2-5) and Da(1-3) upregulated the expression of sod-3, hsp-16.2, and atf-7. Taken together, molecular weight reduction or deacetylation of KGM have a significant impact on the stress resistance in vivo. PDKGM applied in stress resistance will be suggested not to exceed 200 kDa and deacylation of KGM will be suggested to be below 50%.

Hypoglycemic effects and mechanism of different molecular weights of konjac glucomannans in type 2 diabetic rats

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a hypoglycemic polysaccharide with a wide range of molecular weights. But study on hypoglycemic effects of KGMs relate to molecular weight is limited. In this study, KGMs with high and medium molecular weights, and the degraded KGMs were analyzed with physicochemical properties, hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms. Results showed that as the molecular weight KGMs decreased, the viscosity decreased, molecular flexibility increased, while chemical groups, crystal structures and main chains showed little change. KGMs with medium molecular weights (KGM-M1, KGM-M2) showed better effects on increasing body weight, decreasing levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and enhancing integrity of pancreas and colon, than KGMs with high or low molecular weights (KGM-H, KGM-L) in type 2 diabetic rats. Mechanism analysis suggested that KGM-M1 and KGM-M2 had higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on elevating superoxide dismutase, decreasing malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. Moreover, KGM-M1 and KGM-M2 increased gut microbiota diversity, Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and Muribaculaceae, decreased Romboutsia and Klebsiella, and improved 6 diabetic related metabolites. Combined, KGM-M1 and KGM-M2 showed higher hypoglycemic effects, due to regulatory activities of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, intestinal microbiota, and relieved metabolic disorders.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties of konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) in vitro and in vivo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant potential of konjac in vitro and in vivo. Glucose diffusion and enzymatic starch digestion of konjac were assayed using α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) were performed at dose of 102 mg/Kg of body weight (equivalent to 1 g/meal in humans). Additionally, the antioxidant activity of konjac was evaluated through inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The konjac decreased glucose diffusion by 36% and 19% compared with the negative and positive controls, respectively. Additionally, konjac inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities by 14% and 90%, respectively. After OSTT, group treated with konjac showed significant lower glucose levels compared with control group (p = .03). Finally, konjac reduced lipid peroxidation in human plasma (93%) compared with the negative control. Our results suggest that konjac exhibits hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Because the use of herbal products have emerged as an attractive therapeutic option for chronic diseases, konjac administration may be an adjuvant for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Lactobacillus plantarum And Inulin: Therapeutic Agents to Enhance Cardiac Ob Receptor Expression and Suppress Cardiac Apoptosis in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

T2DM may cause increased levels of oxidative stress and cardiac apoptosis through elevated blood glucose. The present study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) as a probiotic strain and inulin as a prebiotic supplement on cardiac oxidative stress and apoptotic markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats.

METHODS

A high-fat diet and a low dose of streptozotocin were used to induce type 2 diabetes. The rats were divided into six groups which were supplemented with L. plantarum, inulin, or their combination for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The results showed improved activity of cardiac antioxidant parameters including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively) and decreased level of cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (P < 0.05). These changes were accompanied with increased protein expression of cardiac obesity receptor (Ob-R) (P = 0.05) and reduced apoptotic markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Fas ligand (FasL), and caspase proteins (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, and P < 0.01, respectively) in T2DM rats after concurrent L. plantarum and inulin supplementation. Moreover, a remarkable correlation of cardiac Ob-R and oxidative stress parameters with cardiac apoptotic markers was observed (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The concurrent use of L. plantarum and inulin seems to be beneficial, as they can lead to decreased heart complications of T2DM via reducing cardiac apoptotic markers.

Dietary chicory root and chicory inulin trigger changes in energetic metabolism, stress prevention and cytoskeletal proteins in the liver of growing pigs - a proteomic study

Currently, a wide array of plant preparations exerting health-promoting properties are commonly used as feed additives. Among them, Cichorium intybus L. have gained considerable attention as a source of compounds showing prebiotic character. Large body of evidence suggests that products of prebiotic fermentation (short-chain fatty acids) may influence the expression of genes encoding liver enzymes involved in the regulation of energetic metabolism. Given the above, the present study was aimed at estimating the influence of a diet supplemented with chicory root or water extract of chicory inulin on liver proteome in growing pigs. The study was performed on 24 castrated male piglets (PIC × Penarlan P76). Animals were assigned to three equal groups (n = 8) and fed cereal-based isoenergetic diets: control and supplemented with 2% of inulin extract from chicory root or 4% of dried chicory root. Liver proteins were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis, followed by the identification of statistically valid protein spots with the aid of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Both experimental factors significantly modulated the expression of liver proteins associated with energetic metabolism, particularly those involved in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. Additionally, both dietary additives induced increased expression of proteins involved in hepatocyte protection against oxidative stress. In the present study, we have shown for the first time that diet supplementation with dried chicory root or inulin caused significant changes in the expression of liver cytoskeletal proteins. Close attention should be paid to the downregulation of cytokeratin 18, hepatic acute phase protein that can enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of inulin-type fructans.

Re-evaluation of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) as food additives

The present opinion deals with the re-evaluation of konjac (E 425), comprising konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) when used as food additives. Following the conceptual framework for the risk assessment of certain food additives re-evaluated under Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, the Panel considered that current use of konjac (E 425) was limited in all food categories to maximum permitted level (MPL) of 10 g/kg, and that the calculated indicative refined exposure assessment for all population groups was below 0.1 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for the general population (mean and high level). Konjac gum and konjac glucomannan were unlikely to be absorbed intact and were significantly fermented by intestinal microbiota. The available database on toxicological studies was considered limited, however, no relevant adverse effects were seen in rats and dogs in 90-day feeding studies according to the SCF, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) in rats being 1,250 mg konjac glucomannan/kg bw per day. Konjac gum and konjac glucomannan were of no concern with respect to the genotoxicity. After a daily dosage of 3,000 mg in adults for 12 weeks, several individuals experienced abdominal discomfort including diarrhoea or constipation. The Panel concluded that there was no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) and that there was no safety concern for the general population at the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) as food additives under the current conditions of use of 10 g/kg. The Panel agreed with the conclusions of the SCF (1997) that the uses of konjac (E 425) as an additive at the levels up to 10 g/kg in food are acceptable, provided that the total intake from all sources stays below 3 g/day.

Deacetylated Konjac Glucomannan Is Less Effective in Reducing Dietary-Induced Hyperlipidemia and Hepatic Steatosis in C57BL/6 Mice

Konjac gel foods that mainly consist of deacetylated konjac glucomannan (Da-KGM) are considered to have the same health benefits as native konjac glucomannan (KGM); however, no definitive data support this notion. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Da-KGM and KGM on the hyperlipidemia and liver steatosis induced by high-fat diet feeding and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were fed (1) normal chow diet, (2) high-fat diet, (3) HFD with KGM, or (4) HFD with Da-KGM for 10 weeks. KGM, but not Da-KGM, showed decreased fat accumulation, improved blood and liver lipid profiles, and prevention of liver lipid droplet deposition compared with HFD. Compared with Da-KGM, KGM increased the outputs of fecal bile acid (KGM 22.5 ± 2.34 mg/g vs Da-KGM 19.3 ± 1.87 mg/g), fat (KGM 5.56 ± 0.68 mg/g vs Da-KGM 4.42 ± 0.57 mg/g) and cholesterol (KGM2.67 ± 0.43 mg/g vs Da-KGM 1.78 ± 0.28 mg/g), fecal concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (KGM 103 ± 14.8 μmol/g vs Da-KGM 74.5 ± 8.49 μmol/g), and improved hepatic antioxidant status and upregulated CYP7A1 and LDLR gene expression. These findings suggest that deacetylation of KGM negatively affects its fermentation characteristics and its inhibition of lipid absorption, which thereby reduces Da-KGM's health benefits.

Glucomannan- and glucomannan plus spirulina-enriched pork affect liver fatty acid profile, LDL receptor expression and antioxidant status in Zucker fa/fa rats fed atherogenic diets

We evaluated the effects of glucomannan or glucomannan plus spirulina-restructured pork (RP) on liver fatty acid profile, desaturase/elongase enzyme activities and oxidative status of Zucker fa/fa rats for seven weeks. Control (C), glucomannan (G) and glucomannan/spirulina (GS)-RP; HC (cholesterol-enriched control), HG and HGS (cholesterol-enriched glucomannan and glucomannan/spirulina-RP) experimental diets were tested. Increased metabolic syndrome markers were found in C, G and GS rats. Cholesterol feeding increased liver size, fat, and cholesterol and reduced antioxidant enzyme levels and expressions. Cholesterolemia was lower in HG and HGS than in HC. GS vs. G showed higher stearic but lower oleic levels. SFA and PUFA decreased while MUFA increased by cholesterol feeding. The arachidonic/linoleic and docosahexaenoic/alpha-linolenic ratios were lower in HC, HG, and HGS vs. C, G, and GS, respectively, suggesting a delta-6-elongase-desaturase system inhibition. Moreover, cholesterol feeding, mainly in HGS, decreased low-density-lipoprotein receptor expression and the delta-5-desaturase activity and increased the delta-9-desaturase activity. In conclusion, the liver production of highly unsaturated fatty acids was limited to decrease their oxidation in presence of hypercholesterolaemia. Glucomannan or glucomannan/spirulina-RP has added new attributes to their functional properties in meat, partially arresting the negative effects induced by high-fat-high-cholesterol feeding on the liver fatty acid and antioxidant statuses.

Glucomannan and glucomannan plus spirulina added to pork significantly block dietary cholesterol effects on lipoproteinemia, arylesterase activity, and CYP7A1 expression in Zucker fa/fa rats

Zucker fa/fa rats easily develop dyslipidemia and obesity. Restructured pork (RP) is a suitable matrix for including functional ingredients. The effects of glucomannan- RP or glucomannan plus spirulina-enriched RP on plasma lipid/lipoprotein levels, cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) expression, and arylesterase activity in growing fa/fa rats fed high-energy, high-fat cholesterol-enriched diets were tested. Groups of six rats each received diet containing 15% control-RP (C), 15% glucomannan-RP diet (G), 15% glucomannan + spirulina-RP diet (GS), and same diets enriched with 2.4% cholesterol and 0.49% cholic acid (cholesterol-enriched control (HC), cholesterol-enriched glucomannan (HG), and cholesterol-enriched glucomannan + spirulina (HGS) diets) over a 7-week period. C diet induced obesity, severe hyperglycemia, moderate hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Those facts were not significantly modified by G or GS diets. G diet increased CYP7A1 expression but decreased the total cholesterol/high density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol ratio (p < 0.05) vs. C diet. GS vs. G diet increased (p < 0.05) CYP7A1 expression. HC vs. C diet reduced food intake, body weight gain, and plasma glucose (p < 0.01) but increased cholesterolemia (p < 0.01), lipidemia (plasma cholesterol plus triglycerides) (p < 0.001), cholesterol/triglyceride ratio in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), and HDL (p < 0.05), cholesterol transported by VLDL and intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL) + low density lipoproteins (LDL), total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and CYP7A1 expression (at least p < 0.05). HG and HGS diets vs. HC noticeably reduced lipidemia (p < 0.001), normalized VLDL and IDL + LDL lipid composition, and increased CYP7A1 expression (p < 0.01) but did not modify the cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. HGS vs. HG decreased triglyceridemia, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and increased arylesterase/HDL-cholesterol activity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, G- and GS-RP act as functional foods and notably blocked the dietary cholesterol effects. In addition, HGS-RP improved the glucomannan hypolipidemic effects, increased arylesterase/HDL-cholesterol activity, and decreased insulin resistance.

Konjac glucomannan, a promising polysaccharide of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch in health care

In recent year, konjac glucomannan (KGM) has attracted more attention due to its non-harmful and non-toxic properties, good biocompatibility, biodegradability and hydrophilic ability. Moreover, KGM and their derivatives have several importances in the multidirectional research areas such as nutritional, biotechnological and fine chemical fields. In the previous article, we have reviewed the nutritional aspects of KGM covering the various aspects of functional foods, food additives and their derivatives. This review aims at highlighting the diverse biomedical research conducted on KGM in the past ten years, covering therapies for anti-obesity, regulation in lipid metabolism, laxative effect, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic to wound dressing applications. Moreover, this review deals with global health aspects of KGM and the disparate health related factors associated with diseases and their control measures.

Effects of Inulin Supplementation in Low- or High-Fat Diets on Reproductive Performance of Sows and Antioxidant Defence Capacity in Sows and Offspring

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation in low- or high-fat diets on both the reproductive performance of sow and the antioxidant defence capacity in sows and offspring. Sixty Landrace × Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to four treatments with low-fat diet (L), low-fat diet containing 1.5% inulin (LI), high-fat diet (H) and high-fat diet containing 1.5% inulin (HI). Inulin-rich diets lowered the within-litter birth weight coefficient of variation (CV, p = 0.05) of piglets, increased the proportion of piglets weighing 1.0-1.5 kg at farrowing (p < 0.01), reduced the loss of body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BF) during lactation (p < 0.05) and decreased the duration of farrowing as well as improved sow constipation (p < 0.05). Sows fed fat-rich diets gained more BW during gestation (p < 0.01), farrowed a greater number of total (+1.65 pigs, p < 0.05) and alive (+1.52 pigs p < 0.05) piglets and had a heavier (+2.06 kg, p < 0.05) litter weight at birth as well as a decreased weaning-to-oestrous interval (WEI, p < 0.01) compared with sows fed low-fat diets. However, it is worth noting that the H diet significantly decreased the serum activities of superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and increased the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in sows and piglets (p < 0.05). In contrast, HI diet enhanced the activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px and decreased the serum MDA concentrations (p < 0.05) in sows and piglets. In summary, the fat-rich diets fed to sows during gestation had beneficial effects on reproductive performance, but aggravated the oxidative stress in sow and piglets. Inulin-rich diets fed to sow during gestation had beneficial effects on within-litter uniformity of piglet birthweight and enhanced the antioxidant defence capacity of sows and piglets.

Short Communication: Antioxidant capacity in the intestinal mucosa of weanling piglets fed diets containing Fusarium mycotoxins and the efficacy of commercial supplements sold as detoxifiers

Le Thanh, B. V., Lessard, M., Chorfi, Y. and Guay, F. 2015. Short Communication: Antioxidant capacity in the intestinal mucosa of weanling piglets fed diets containing Fusarium mycotoxins and the efficacy of commercial supplements sold as detoxifiers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 569–575. The ability of commercial feed additives to prevent oxidative damage due to deoxynivalenol (DON) in piglets was studied. Sixty piglets (6.0±0.5 kg) were assigned randomly to six wheat–corn–soybean diets: control (<0.5 mg kg−1 DON), DON-rich diet (4 mg kg−1 DON), and four DON-rich diets supplemented with either glucomannan (DON+GLUC), yeast, live bacteria, enzymes and plant extract (DON+YBP), aluminosilicate (DON+ALS), or a mixture of preservatives (DON+PV). Malondialdehyde concentration (MDA), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), catalase activity (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in the small intestine were measured after 14 d. The DON-rich diet increased MDA in the jejunum while decreasing CAT in the jejunum and SOD in the ileum and increasing GPx in the ileum (P<0.05). The DON+GLUC diet decreased GPx and SOD (P<0.05) and tended to decrease MDA in the jejunum (P<0.10). The DON+YBP, DON+PV and DON+ALS diets all decreased CAT in the jejunum, while DON+YBP and DON+PV also did so in the ileum (P<0.05). DON+GLUC decreased SOD in the jejunum, while DON+YBP increased it (P<0.05). In the ileum, DON+PV decreased SOD, while DON+ALS increased GPx (P<0.05). No significant differences in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in intestinal tissues were found. This study demonstrates that the mycotoxin DON and anti-mycotoxin additives modify oxidative status, including the antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD or GPx) in the intestinal mucosa of piglets. However, it was not possible to identify a specific antioxidant enzyme involved in counteracting the effect of DON.

The application of omics technologies in the functional evaluation of inulin and inulin-containing prebiotics dietary supplementation

Inulin, a natural renewable polysaccharide resource produced by various plants in nature, has been reported to possess a significant number of diverse pharmaceutical and food applications. Recently, there has been rapid progress in high-throughput technologies and platforms to assay global mRNA, proteins, metabolites and gut microbiota. In this review, we will describe the current status of utilizing omics technologies of elucidating the impact of inulin and inulin-containing prebiotics at the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and gut microbiome levels. Although many studies in this review have addressed the impact of inulin comprehensively, these omics technologies only enable us to understand physiological information at each different stage of mRNA, protein, metabolite and gut microbe. We believe that a synergistic approach is vital in order to fully illustrate the intricate beauty behind the relatively modest influence of food factors like inulin on host health.

Intraperitoneal administration of butyrate prevents the severity of acetic acid colitis in rats

Intrarectal infusion of butyrate improves colorectal disorders including ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is not established whether systemically administered butyrate benefits such patients. The current study aimed at exploring and comparing the potential of intraperitoneally, intrarectally, and orally administered butyrate against acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in rats. Intrarectal administration of 2 ml of 50% AA was done after or without prior treatment of rats for 7 consecutive days with 100 mg/kg sodium butyrate (SB) intraperitoneally, intrarectally, or orally. Rats were sacrificed after 48 h of AA-treatment. Subsequently, colon sections were processed routinely for histopathological examination. We clinically observed diarrhea, loose stools, and hemoccult-positive stools, and histologically, epithelial loss and ulceration, crypt damage, goblet cell depletion, hemorrhage, and mucosal infiltration of inflammatory cells. The changes were significantly reduced by intraperitoneal, intrarectal, or oral butyrate, with intraperitoneal butyrate exhibiting the highest potency. It is concluded that intraperitoneal administration of butyrate abrogates the lesions of AA-induced UC and its potency surpasses that of intrarectal or oral butyrate.

In vitro fermentation of nuts results in the formation of butyrate and c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid as chemopreventive metabolites

PURPOSE

The consumption of foods rich in dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as nuts can contribute to a healthy diet. Therefore, the formation of fermentation end-products which might exert chemopreventive effects regarding colon cancer was investigated after an in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation of nuts using human fecal microbiota.

METHODS

Fermentation supernatants (FS) and pellets (FP) were obtained after an in vitro fermentation of hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia, pistachios and walnuts. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and bile acids (BA) in FS as well as fatty acids in FP were analyzed via gas chromatography. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in FS were determined photometrically.

RESULTS

Fermentation of nuts resulted in 1.9- to 2.8-fold higher concentrations of SCFA compared to the control and a shift of molar ratios toward butyrate production. In vitro fermentation resulted in the formation of vaccenic acid (C18:1t11, 32.1 ± 3.2 % FAME; fatty acid methyl ester) and conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11 CLA, 2.4 ± 0.7 % FAME) exclusively in fermented walnut samples. Concentrations of secondary BA deoxycholic-/iso-deoxycholic acid (6.8-24.1-fold/4.9-10.9-fold, respectively) and levels of MDA (1.3-fold) were significantly reduced in fermented nut samples compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that demonstrates the ability of the human fecal microbiota to convert polyunsaturated fatty acids from walnuts to c9,t11 CLA as a potential chemopreventive metabolite. In addition, the production of butyrate and reduction in potential carcinogens such as secondary BA and lipid peroxidation products might contribute to the protective effects of nuts regarding colon cancer development.

Protective effect of salep on liver

BACKGROUND

Salep is used for various purposes in food industries and traditional medicine. Therefore, evaluation of its effect on the liver seems to be necessary.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess salep effect on liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, various concentrations of Salep were intraperitoneally administered to five groups of Wistar rats (control, placebo and 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg salep). After one month, liver enzymes and liver tissue were evaluated and compared between different groups.

RESULTS

Significant decreased level of liver enzymes, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and TOC (Total Oxidation Capacity) were found in various concentrations of salep administration. On the other hand, a significant increase was found in TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) level with various doses of salep.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated level of total protein and albumin and decreased level of liver enzyme by salep extract were found in this study. Therefore, this plant may be a useful medicine for patients with liver diseases.

Auricularia polytricha aqueous extract supplementation decreases hepatic lipid accumulation and improves antioxidative status in animal model of nonalcoholic fatty liver

Background: Amelioration effect of Auricularia polytricha water extract (AP) on hepatic injury in an animal model of NAFLD was investigated. Methods: Forty six-week-old Wistar rats were housed and thirty-two fed ten percent lard high-fat diet to induce NAFLD. After eight weeks of induction, animals were divided into five groups of eight rats each: normal control, high-fat diet, RN (reversion to a normal diet), 1× AP (normal diet plus 0.75% AP, w/w), and 2×AP (normal diet plus 1.5% AP). Animals were sacrificed four weeks later. Results: Rats receiving either 0.75% or 1.5% AP exhibited effective interruption of NAFLD progression, as evidenced by decreased lipid accumulation and elevated antioxidative status. Histological examination proved AP anti-inflammatory function and lower level of related markers for tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Besides abundant polysaccharides against lipid accumulation, AP had a specific high level of phenolic compounds and tannins thus may be a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent. Conclusion: Findings suggest that under normal diet recovery, AP supplement may represent novel, protective material against NAFLD by attenuating inflammatory response, oxidative stress and lipid deposition.

Daily Feeding of Fructooligosaccharide or Glucomannan Delays Onset of Senescence in SAMP8 Mice

We hypothesized that daily intake of nondigestible saccharides delays senescence onset through the improvement of intestinal microflora. Here, we raised senescence accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) on the AIN93 diet (CONT), with sucrose being substituted for 5% of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) or 5% of glucomannan (GM), 15 mice per group. Ten SAMR1 were raised as reference of normal aging with control diet. Grading of senescence was conducted using the method developed by Hosokawa, and body weight, dietary intake, and drinking water intake were measured on alternate days. Following 38 weeks of these diets we evaluated learning and memory abilities using a passive avoidance apparatus and investigated effects on the intestinal microflora, measured oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines. Continuous intake of FOS and GM significantly enhanced learning and memory ability and decelerated senescence development when compared with the CONT group. Bifidobacterium levels were significantly increased in FOS and GM-fed mice. Urinary 8OHdG, 15-isoprostane, serum TNF-α, and IL-6 were also lower in FOS-fed mice, while IL-10 in FOS and GM groups was higher than in CONT group. These findings suggest that daily intake of nondigestible saccharides delays the onset of senescence via improvement of intestinal microflora.

Liver oxidation and inflammation in Fa/Fa rats fed glucomannan/spirulina-surimi

The effect of high-fat squid-surimi diets enriched in glucomannan or glucomannan-spirulina on lipemia, liver glutathione status, antioxidant enzymes and inflammation biomarkers was determined in Zucker Fa/Fa rats. Groups of eight rats each received for 7weeks the squid-surimi control (C), glucomannan-enriched squid-surimi (G) and glucomannan-spirulina enriched squid-surimi (GS). Liver weight, cytochrome P450 7A1 expression and cholesterolemia were decreased in G and GS vs. C, improving glutathione red-ox index (p<0.05). G also showed increased glutathione reductase (GR) levels vs. C, but reduced the endothelial (eNOS) and increased the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (p<0.05). The GS diet improved superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and GR activities and eNOS, iNOS and TNF-α levels (p<0.05). The glucomannan enriched surimi-diet induced hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant and proinflammatory effects, while the addition of 3g/kg spirulina kept those hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant effects but reduced the inflammation observed.

Bowel microbiota moderate host physiological responses to dietary konjac in weanling rats

Diets rich in complex carbohydrates that resist digestion in the small bowel can alter large bowel ecology and microbiota biochemistry because the carbohydrates become substrates for bacterial growth and metabolism. Conventional or germ-free weanling rats were fed a control diet or diets containing 1.25, 2.5, or 5% konjac (KJ), a commonly used ingredient in Asian foods, for 28 d. In the absence of bowel microbiota, 5% KJ elicited a significant increase in colonic goblet cell numbers and increased expression of mast cell protease genes and of genes that were overrepresented in the KEGG pathway "Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450" relative to the control diet. In contrast, feeding 5% KJ caused few changes in mucosal gene expression in conventional rats. Analysis of the colonic microbiota of conventional rats fed KJ showed modest increases in the proportions of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes relative to rats fed the control diet, with a concomitant reduction in Firmicutes, which included a 50% reduction in Lactobacillus abundance. Colonic concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and colonic crypt lengths were increased by feeding KJ. Goblet cell numbers were greater in conventional rats fed KJ relative to the control diet but were lower compared with germ-free animals. Serum metabolite profiles were different in germ-free and conventional rats. Metabolites that differed in concentration included several phospholipids, a bile acid metabolite, and an intermediate product of tryptophan metabolism. Overall, KJ in the diet was potentially damaging to the bowel mucosa and produced a protective response from the host. This response was reduced by the presence of the bowel microbiota, which therefore ameliorated potentially detrimental effects of dietary KJ.